01 Mar 2012 10:43:19
Davy Jones, the lead singer of The Monkees, died this morning after suffering a heart attack in Indiantown, Fla., his representative confirmed to ABC News. He was 66.
“He passed next to his passions, his horses, and was one hour away from his wife, Jessica Pacheco-Jones,” his rep said in a statement.
“All of his family, friends and fans mourn Davy’s loss,” Joseph Pacheco, Jones’ manager and brother-in-law, said. “We were fortunate to have such an incredible human being in our lives. Sadly, his time on Earth was cut far too short and he will be missed tremendously by all who knew him.”
The Martin County, Fla. medical examiner’s office will be conducting an investigation into Jones’ death but said in statement that “there do not appear to be any suspicious circumstances” surrounding it.
Jones is survived by his wife and four daughters from previous marriages.
The British born Jones joined The Monkees in 1966 and contributed to a stable of rock hits, including “Daydream Believer” and “I’m a Believer.” The band was formed as part of a TV series about a rock band also called “The Monkees.” The show got canceled in 1968; the group, which included Micky Dolenz, Peter Tork, and Michael Nesmith, broke up two years later.
They reunited in various incarnations, most recently last spring for a tour through England and America. A second leg of the tour was slated for fall 2011 but the dates were axed without explanation in August.
Jones dabbled in film and television as well. He memorably appeared in a 1971 episode of “The Brady Bunch” in which Marcia Brady convinces him to perform at her high school prom. He also did a cameo in the 1995 “Brady Bunch Movie.”
Jones’ band mates shared their sympathies with fans via Facebook. “Can’t believe it…Still in shock…had bad dreams all night long,” Dolenz wrote. “My love and prayers go out to Davy’s girls and family right now…”
Nesmith offered a lengthy, spiritual tribute. “David’s spirit and soul live well in my heart, among all the lovely people, who remember with me the good times, and the healing times, that were created for so many, including us,” he wrote. “I have fond memories. I wish him safe travels.”
Tork wrote, “It is with great sadness that I reflect on the sudden passing of my long-time friend and fellow-adventurer, David Jones. His talent will be much missed; his gifts will be with us always. My deepest sympathy to Jessica and the rest of his family. Adios, to the Manchester Cowboy.”
